Geography

Human geography involves exploring the relationship between people and our planet. You’ll learn about the contemporary world and gain skills to address global and local challenges. We’ll encourage your geographical curiosity and equip you with the skills and knowledge you'll need for a diverse range of careers.

Explore the relationship between people and the planet with our human geography degree. You’ll learn about your world and gain the skills to address challenges such as social and spatial inequality, living with urban and environmental change, and combatting problems such as food insecurity.

Your degree will combine field-based learning, geographical theory, technical training and independent research to support your active learning and prepare you for the world of work. Using Sheffield and the nearby Peak District as your living laboratory, you’ll explore the world around you and develop an understanding of the connections between local and global geographies.

Employability is at the heart of the course. You’ll gain the specialist, practical and transferable skills that employers value - from critical thinking and communication to project management and data analysis. Your degree will open doors to a wide range of careers.

Our graduates work in sustainability, conservation, education, local and central government, businesses (including the creative, digital and financial sectors), NGOs and policy-making roles, with many also pursuing further study or professional training. You may also have the opportunity to do an industry placement as part of your degree.

You’ll be taught by experts - we’ve been at the forefront of geographical teaching and research for over 100 years. Explore how we’re making an impact, from fighting illegal logging to addressing food insecurity.

Beyond your studies, you can join the Geography Society or GeogSoc as you’ll come to know it - one of the University of Sheffield’s largest and most active societies. GeogSoc runs socials, volunteering, field trips and networking opportunities that enrich your university experience and build a sense of belonging.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Why study this course?

• We cover field trip costs - Fieldwork should be open to everyone; that's why we’ll cover the cost of travel, accommodation and food for all field classes. You’ll be free to focus on exploring new environments and developing new skills, without worrying about extra expenses.

• Fully accredited - Royal Geographical Society accredited. This means your degree will meet the highest professional standards in geography, giving you a mark of quality recognised by employers worldwide. It also connects you to a vibrant network of geographers and supports your pathway towards professional recognition and chartered status after graduation.

• Practice-oriented learning - Hands-on and problem-based learning, through team projects, policy analysis, professional skills building and fieldwork experiences.

• Top 10 for geography - Guardian University Guide 2026

• Top 10 for geography and environmental science - Complete University Guide 2026

• 1st in the Russell Group for academic support in the subject of human geography - National Student Survey (NSS) 2025